stories

After visiting the Kashmere Multi-Purpose Center for food assistance, Monica learned there would soon be a disaster preparedness clinic sponsored by Verizon and United Way of Greater Houston — and with her history, she knew she needed to be there. A survivor of Hurricane Katrina, Harvey, Beryl, and countless storms in between, Monica carries the trauma of past disasters with her. Even with all her experience, the clinic gave her new, practical information she had never encountered: preparing pets, keeping medications accessible, waterproofing important documents, and remembering the small items that become essential when chaos hits. She left with a go-bag, new tools, and a sense of readiness that eased some of her long-held anxiety. Most importantly, Monica said the clinic’s compassionate, judgment-free support strengthened not only her disaster plan, but also her confidence that her community will help guide her through whatever comes next.

When Hurricane Beryl tore through Greater Houston, it left Loretta's longtime home severely damaged. Alone during the storm, she heard the wind rip off her back door and fled, returning to a leaning porch, missing shingles, and a battered house. Through the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance, backed by the Building Possibilities Campaign, a home repair team stepped in quickly, with funding provided and trusted partners like Katy Responds already in place. Crews replaced roofing and decking, stabilized the foundation, rebuilt the porch, and restored protective barriers, making the home safe and livable again. Today, Loretta can step safely onto her porch once more. With a sturdy roof overhead, her home stands restored as a place of comfort and stability.

When Rachel and her kids moved to Houston to begin anew, she had no one and nowhere to turn. With the help of a Navigator and the United Way of Greater Houston's Integrated Client Journey, she found hope and stability.

Check out our 2023-24 Annual Report. It highlights the year-long impact achieved with the help of our community partners, staff, and volunteers in assisting our community in times of need. This work was made possible thanks to the support of donors, corporate sponsors, workplace campaigns, board members, and more.

Raising kids as a single parent is hard enough. Fighting every day to keep them, and keep them safe, is the hardest thing Michael has ever done.

When Audrey was five, she visited a United Way-supported health care clinic requiring specialty medical services for a serious eye condition.

With help from the United Way Women Who Rock Child Care Scholarship and United Way THRIVE, Jessica finished school and started a new career.

The Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund helped homebound seniors John and his wife with home-delivered meals, food, and other assistance during the pandemic.

Leticia Herrera from ABC Home Child Care, a United Way Bright Beginnings Child Care Center, talks about how Bright Beginnings helps her best serve children and families.

Cathy Moore of Funded Partner, ECHOS, talks about how, with United Way's support, ECHOS helps clients land on their feet - and stay there.

Armando Silva from United Way funded partner, MECA, talks about partnering with United Way to create impact in our community.

Linda had been a United Way donor for many years but never thought that she would need United Way’s help herself. 

Tyeisha was ready to make a change in her career and her life. United Way was here to help.

With her children grown up and out of the house, mother-of-four Dionell was looking for a new career.

For Sara, life after service was tough. She had trouble adjusting back into civilian life and was desperate for help when she was connected with United Way Mission United.

Andy is a veteran, so when he called the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE, he was immediately connected with a veterans specialist and the Mission United network.

At his wife’s urging, Don finally called 211. He had been in pain for a long time and his wife couldn’t watch him deteriorate any longer.

David, diagnosed with cancer, needed help after becoming unemployed. Thanks to support from people like you, he and his family were able to get through his medical treatment and stay afloat during these difficult times.

United Way THRIVE supported Mark in his efforts to build a better life for his family by providing education, job training, coaching, and more.

With help from United Way THRIVE, Christie was able to get back on her feet and buy a home for her family after escaping an abusive relationship.

United Way THRIVE supported Keyonna in her effort to start a new career that would allow her to support her family and spend more time with her kids.

United Way THRIVE was here to help Caroline navigate getting back into the workforce during the pandemic.

After his military service, Christopher turned to United Way THRIVE for help with job training and other skills needed to start a new career.

The mentors he met through a United Way program changed Darryl’s life, influenced him to become an engineer, and inspired him to become a mentor himself.

United Way THRIVE helped Daisy get a job earning 40% more and learn how to manage her finances to help prepare to buy a home for her family.

With support from United Way THRIVE, Marissa gained the financial knowledge and skills to achieve financial stability and purchase a home for her family.

Amanda's success was made possible by generous donors like you. With the help of United Way THRIVE, she found her passion in construction, improved her skills, landed an apprenticeship, and utilized financial stability resources. Now, she aims to buy a home and build her perfect living space.

With support from United Way THRIVE, Sheila rejoined the workforce.

COVID-19 took a lot from Susan and Jack. The Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund was here to help.

The February 2021 winter storm damaged Angela and Craig's home--and their progress.

With help from United Way, Bryson kicked her addiction and rebuilt her life.

In United Way Bright Beginnings, Laura’s social and emotional skills blossomed, and she built the foundation to be a star student.

United Way Bright Beginnings helped Joseph develop, grow, and prepare to start and succeed in kindergarten.

A United Way-supported mentoring and enrichment program helped make sure Ralston could see beyond where he grew up, go to college, and pursue his dreams.

United Way-sponsored services, like home-delivered meals and check-ins from volunteers, allow Maxine to remain independent.

Patsy is a volunteer companion who provides assistance and companionship that help Lily remain independent.